Abstract:
This article aims to study the components, the procedure, the belief and the existence of Hed Wiek Ritual at Ban Nong Luang, Khok Ngern,Dansai, Loei. Folklore is applied to use in collecting data, collected by field work observation and deep interview with the selective informants. The data are analyzed, based on the concept of ritual procedure, belief and existence in performing Hed Wiek and presented in descriptive content. The results reveal that Hed Wiek or the local ceremony in removing bad luck at Nong Luang Village is a common rite performed in all area in the northeast region and can be divided into three types; Hed Wiek for the village, Hed Wiek for their houses and Hed Wiek for the individuals. There are four essential participations for Hed Wiek ritual; the participants, the place for performing the ritual, the date and the offerings. There are three steps in performing the rite; the first step is the preparation, the second is performing step and the last is activity after the ritual. For Hed Wiek for the houses, there are two processes; the preparation and the ritual performing step.In terms of belief, the villagers have strong faith in the three ritual performings: Hed Wiek for the village can create happy living and punctual rain for their farms, Hed Wiek for the houses protect bad evils for all family members of the house, and Hed Wiek for the individuals brings good fortune, good health to them. For belief in the four offering components of the rites, it can be seen that all offering components are the main stream in reducing bad luck and increasing good luck for the participants. According to the study, it is found that the existence of the rites stems from the important role of the rituals influencing on villagers mind, the handing down of the rituals and the strong belief in the rites effects themselves. With these factors, all kinds of Hed Wiek are still with the villagers.